Things to do in Bangalore with unschooling kids

ur visit to Bangalore as unschoolers was an extraordinary experience that enriched our lives in more ways than we could have imagined. One of the unique aspects of unschooling is the freedom it provides to explore the world and learn from real-life experiences. During our time in Bangalore, we embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our visit was the opportunity to meet new people and build connections. As unschoolers, we believe that learning happens not just within the confines of textbooks but through interactions with diverse individuals from various walks of life. We were fortunate to have friends in Bangalore who warmly welcomed us into their homes, allowing us to experience the city through their eyes.

Staying with our friends provided us with a deeper understanding of the local culture, traditions, and everyday life in Bangalore. We immersed ourselves in the city's rhythm, sharing meals, conversations, and laughter with our hosts.

As unschoolers, we believe that the world is our classroom, and our visit to Bangalore reaffirmed this belief. Every interaction, every experience, and every conversation became an opportunity for growth and learning. We explored the city's new metro, and museums, and visit learning spaces, Through these real-world experiences, our understanding of Bangalore and its people deepened, and our knowledge expanded beyond the confines of traditional education.

Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, offers a wide range of activities and attractions that are suitable for kids.

Here are some things to do in Bangalore with kids:

1. Visit Cubbon Park: Spend a day at Cubbon Park, a large green space in the heart of the city. Kids can enjoy walking trails, a toy train ride, a children's playground, and the aquarium located within the park.
2. Explore Bannerghatta Biological Park: Take your kids to Bannerghatta Biological Park, which houses a zoo, a safari park, a butterfly park, and a rescue center. They can see a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, and more.
3. Discover Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum: This interactive museum is dedicated to science and technology. Kids can engage in hands-on exhibits, learn about inventions, and participate in science workshops.
4. Visit Wonderla Amusement Park: Wonderla is a popular amusement park in Bangalore, offering thrilling rides, water slides, and various entertainment options suitable for kids of all ages.
5. Enjoy a day at Lalbagh Botanical Garden: Lalbagh is a beautiful garden with a diverse collection of plants and trees. Kids can enjoy a toy train ride, explore the glasshouse, and learn about different plant species.
6. Head to Innovative Film City: This entertainment complex offers a variety of attractions, including a dinosaur park, wax museum, mini-golf, and more. Kids can enjoy rides, shows, and interactive exhibits.
7. Explore the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium: Kids interested in space and astronomy will love the planetarium. They can watch captivating shows about the universe, stars, and planets.
8. Take a walk around Ulsoor Lake: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Ulsoor Lake, located in the heart of the city. Kids can feed the ducks, rent a paddleboat, and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
9. Enjoy the Bangalore Metro: Kids often find riding the metro trains fascinating. Hop on the Bangalore Metro and let your kids experience a fun and convenient way to travel around the city.
10. Visit the HAL Aerospace Museum: The HAL Aerospace Museum offers a glimpse into the world of aviation. Kids can see various aircraft, and helicopters, and learn about the history of aerospace in India.
11. Explore the Innovative Learning Centre at Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum: Located within the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, the Innovative Learning Centre offers a range of educational activities and exhibits where kids can engage in hands-on learning experiences.
12. Go on a day trip to Nandi Hills: Take a short trip to Nandi Hills, located on the outskirts of Bangalore. Enjoy the scenic views, go for a hike, and have a picnic amidst the lush greenery. Kids will love the fresh air and the panoramic views from the hilltop.
13. Visit the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium: As mentioned earlier, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a fantastic place for kids to learn about astronomy. They can watch captivating shows about space and the universe, igniting their curiosity about the cosmos.
14. Explore the Bangalore Palace: Step into the enchanting Bangalore Palace, which resembles a medieval castle. Kids can admire the grand architecture, explore the gardens, and learn about the royal history of Bangalore.

Here's a list of delicious food items to try in Bangalore:

1. Mysore Masala Dosa: Indulge in the famous Mysore Masala Dosa, a crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with a spicy potato filling. It's a popular South Indian breakfast dish.
2. Bisibele Bath: Taste the flavors of Karnataka with Bisibele Bath, a wholesome rice dish cooked with lentils, vegetables, and spices. It's a delightful blend of spicy and tangy flavors.
3. Idli-Vada: Start your day with a classic South Indian breakfast of soft and fluffy idlis (steamed rice cakes) served with crispy vadas (deep-fried lentil fritters) and a variety of chutneys and sambar (lentil soup).
4. Masala Puri: Treat yourself to Masala Puri, a delicious street food snack. It consists of crispy puris (fried bread) topped with a tangy and spicy mixture of potatoes, onions, chutneys, and sev (crunchy chickpea noodles).
5. Mangalorean Fish Curry: If you and your child enjoy seafood, savor the flavors of Mangalorean Fish Curry. It's a spicy and tangy curry made with fresh fish and coconut-based masala, served with steamed rice or neer dosa (thin rice crepes).
6. Chats: Explore the variety of mouth-watering street food chats available in Bangalore, such as pani puri, sev puri, and dahi puri. These snacks are made with crispy puris filled with tangy chutneys, spiced potatoes, and other toppings.
7. Filter Coffee: Don't miss out on experiencing the famous South Indian filter coffee. This strong and aromatic coffee is brewed with a special filter and served with milk and sugar. It's a perfect pick-me-up beverage.

Traveling with my 9-year-old was an absolute delight! One of the highlights of our trip to Bangalore was exploring the metro system together. My son was fascinated by the trains, and we had a super fun time hopping on and off different metro lines and exploring various parts of the city. It was not only an exciting mode of transportation but also a great way to experience the local culture and interact with fellow travelers.

I was pleasantly surprised when my little adventurer decided to take charge of our travel expenses. He suggested we cut down on cab rides and opt for public transport instead. This decision not only saved us money but also allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local way of life. It was heartening to see my son taking responsibility and making conscious choices.

One of the most memorable moments during our trip was the long evening walk we took around Ulsoor Lake.

Our visit to Bangalore as unschoolers was an unforgettable journey of discovery, connection, and personal growth. By embracing the philosophy of unschooling, we were able to create a unique and enriching educational experience that went beyond textbooks and classrooms. The memories we made, the friendships we forged, and the knowledge we gained will forever be cherished as an integral part of our unschooling journey.